Bruce and Gold on Sutton

Steve Bruce has revealed he has a 'gentleman's agreement' with Chris Sutton to extend his contract by a further twelve months if Blues retain their Premiership status.

Sutton, who has initially signed for six months after leaving Celtic by mutual consent, has also been described as 'the new Christophe Dugarry' by a delighted David Gold.

Bruce said:'I've shaken Chris' hand and we've a gentleman's agreement in that, if we like him and he likes us, and everything goes hunky-dory, then we will look to extend his contract next season.

'To do that, we've got to remain in the Premier League. That's one spur. But that's a spur for us all. We're determined to make sure we stay where we are.

'It was great we could get someone with his experience and know-how as he's been a top centre-forward for the past 15 years. I'm delighted. He's just what we need and at the right time.

'His versatility is enormous but I want to play him as a striker. I want to play him as a threat. Umpteen times this season we've seen balls fizzed across that box and had no-one on the end of them.

'We've played well of late but we're hopeful Chris can give us a lift, a bit similar to where we were with Christophe Dugarry three years ago.'

Gold also concurs with Bruce's opinion of Sutton as the next Dugarry, saying:

'Once again Steve Bruce has pulled another rabbit out of the hat. Whilst there was only one Christophe Dugarry of his time, I've got to say this will be as important as the Dugarry signing.'

It, of course, remains to be seen whether Sutton can have as much of an effect on Blues fortunes as the French maestro did in our first Premiership season. But if he can have the same impact, it will be a tremendous boost to our efforts to stay up.